Home / Crime and Justice / Advocate Demands Federal Probe into Child Deaths
Advocate Demands Federal Probe into Child Deaths
21 Feb
Summary
- Three child deaths reveal pattern of systemic failures in child welfare.
- Advocate seeks federal investigation into agency's handling of disabled children.
- Allegations of bias against children with disabilities are under scrutiny.
A call for a federal investigation into the child welfare system has been issued, prompted by the deaths of three children with documented disabilities. Advocate Brenda Erskine highlighted these cases, asserting they reveal a disturbing and repeated pattern of failures within the state agency. The agency allegedly prioritized family preservation without adequately addressing the unique needs of children with physical, developmental, or mental health challenges.
Erskine's request, sent to federal and state authorities, specifically references the deaths of Harmony Montgomery, David Almond, and A'zella Ortiz. These children did not receive needed evaluations, services, or appropriate placements. For instance, David Almond, a 14-year-old with autism, was reunited with his father without a plan for necessary therapeutic services. Such inconsistencies and lack of specialized care are viewed as significant failures.
The advocate is seeking federal involvement to ascertain if the child welfare agency exhibits systemic bias against children with disabilities. This inquiry aims to clarify whether such bias stems from indifference or intentional noncompliance with federal civil rights laws. Access to internal agency communications and decision-making processes is crucial for this investigation.
